Dynamic purchasing system under the Single Procurement Document (Scotland)
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The Single Procurement Document (Scotland) - also referred to as SPD (Scotland) - is a document that contains questions used at the selection stage for post-Brexit procurement exercises in Scotland. It is used to identify suitably qualified and experienced bidders for public sector procurement in Scotland.
The Supplier Journey portion of the Scottish Government’s procurement guidance website offers an overview of the different types of procurement processes that are available under SPD (Scotland). One such type of process is the dynamic purchasing system (DPS).
For information about dynamic purchasing systems outside of the SPD (Scotland), see Dynamic purchasing system.
[edit] Definitions
As defined by the STAR Procurement Glossary of Terms, a dynamic purchasing system (DPS) is: ‘An electronic system procured using the restricted procedure for the purchase of commonly used supplies, services or works which are generally available on the market. All bidders who meet the requirements of the selection criteria must be admitted during the entire period of the DPS. It allows entry into the supply market for new suppliers throughout the life of the opportunity, rather than restricting them for a fixed period.’
The restricted procedure under the SPD (Scotland): '...is used where there are likely to be many suppliers interested in the opportunity. This is because procurement officers using the restricted procedure can limit the number of bidders to invite to tender to those with the best capacity and capability to meet the contract requirements, meaning bidders not meeting this criteria do not waste time and resources completing a full tender response.’
[edit] Characteristics of DPS arrangements
The DPS must be run as a completely electronic process and the initial contract notice must specify the nature of the requirements and the approximate quantities or values envisaged. A contract notice is how a public sector procurement officer formally tells all potential suppliers about a public sector contract opportunity.
Contract notices must be published on Public Contracts Scotland (PCS), which provides free access to contract opportunities from Scottish local authorities, NHS Scotland, the Scottish Government, agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs), higher and further education and emergency services.
Since the contract notice remains open throughout the lifetime of the DPS, new suppliers can join at any time. However, any changes to the period of validity should comply with the principles of procurement explained in The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
DPS arrangements are best suited or targeted in areas of spending where certain elements come together, in particular a large volume of suppliers (with no recognised single or natural marketplace or connection between those suppliers) combined with a large volume of transactions. If the services required are to benefit from multiple suppliers, then ‘large’ would be expected to be in excess of 20 suppliers.
The DPS is a two-stage process; the initial setup stage comes first, followed by the award stage. During the setup stage, all suppliers who meet the selection criteria (and are not excluded) are admitted to the DPS. During the award stage, the public body invites all suppliers on the DPS (or the relevant category within the DPS) to bid for the specific contract.
[edit] Related articles
- Contract notice.
- Dynamic purchasing system.
- Exclusion grounds under the SPD (Scotland).
- OJEU procurement procedures.
- Procurement route.
- Public procurement
- Single Procurement Document (Scotland).
[edit] External resources
- Legislation.gov.uk, The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
- Scottish Government, Procurement Journey, Additional resources.
- Scottish Government, Public Contracts Scotland (PCS).
- Scottish Government, Supplier Journey, Procurement procedures.
- STAR Procurement Glossary of Terms.
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.